SCM Superfici for Ton: for timeless furnishing elements

Today, the furniture market no longer asks only for “beauty”, but demands flexibility, fast lead times, high and easily replicable quality standards, and increasing attention to the sustainability of processes. All of this in a context that – as is easy to imagine – continues to move at ever greater speed.
And for a company like Ton – one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of high-design tables, seating, and furnishing elements – rooted in the tradition of bentwood, developed over generations in the historic factory of Bystřice pod Hostýnem, the challenge is clear: to preserve a unique artisanal heritage while evolving in an increasingly fast-paced world.
And in the Czech Republic, in the heart of Moravia, this challenge is experienced every day in Ton’s factory. Here, two souls can be felt: one more traditional, where wood is still bent by hand as in the beginning; the other constantly open to the future of design and technological innovation, expressed in shaping and finishing wood with state-of-the-art industrial solutions.

A HERITAGE LOOKING AHEAD
Ton is one of the most renowned names in the art of bentwood. The history of the Bystřice pod Hostýnem factory begins in 1861, giving rise to some of the most recognized product lines in European design.
In 1876, the famous “Chair No. 18” was created, becoming a global icon, followed over time by other masterpieces such as the “Armchair No. 30” and the “Chair No. 811” designed by Josef Hoffmann.
Another decisive step came in 1994 with the establishment of Ton a.s. as a modern joint-stock company.
Today, Ton is an industrial company with 350 employees, approximately 22 million euros in revenue, 21,000 square meters of production area, and a presence in over 90 countries. Production includes seating, tables, and interior furnishing elements that offer durability, refined aesthetics, and everyday comfort.
The brand works closely with international designers and is successfully positioned in various contract, hospitality, and residential market segments, mainly targeting the high-end and luxury range.

“Over time, we have continuously adapted our internal processes to respond to what customers today consider most important: flexibility and speed,” explains Dominik Růžička, facility manager at Ton. “This applies not only to delivery times, but also to how quickly we respond to new requests or customize products based on actual customer needs. At the same time, we continuously invest in improving the quality and durability of surface treatments, both lacquered and oiled. This includes the development of more resistant finishes and the introduction of new solutions, such as pigmented oils for tables, which offer greater design freedom without compromising performance.”

FINISHING AS A KEY PROCESS
In Ton’s evolution, surface treatment has taken on a strategic role, not only for aesthetic reasons but also for production efficiency.
“Finishing is one of the most critical phases because it is the first detail the customer sees and touches when purchasing a product,” adds Michal Papuga, technologist at Ton.
“With increasing demand and the growing complexity of required products, traditional spraying and drying processes were becoming a bottleneck, especially in table production. We therefore needed a solution capable of increasing efficiency, reducing cycle times, ensuring consistent repeatability of final quality, and making our processes less environmentally impactful by reducing emissions.”

THE CHOICE OF SUPERFICI AS A PARTNER
The answer – they explain – came from Superfici technologies.
After an initial collaboration launched with SCM in 2018 for the purchase of a CNC machining center “morbidelli m800” for processing table tops, in 2023 Ton once again turned to the Italian group for an advanced finishing solution.
As Papuga explains, the opportunity to visit the Superfici Technology Center in Villasanta (Milan) was extremely valuable, allowing tests on real pieces and direct comparison with technicians on how to innovate finishing processes.

“We were very impressed not only by the solutions presented to us, but also by the expertise of the people. The test results gave us the certainty that we could meet very high requirements consistently.”
At Ton’s factory, a state-of-the-art flat line was installed, featuring a “compact 3” recovery spraying machine equipped with an on-demand filter and designed to operate at a speed of five meters per minute with water-based and water-based UV coatings.

THE PROCESS
The process begins with a cleaning phase using brushes, essential to perfectly prepare the surface.
This is followed by automatic spraying, with recovery systems that optimize product usage. After an initial flash-off, the cycle continues in linear dryers with air blades, up to the transfer system and final flash-off.
Curing, i.e. polymerization, takes place through a Poliedra system with mercury lamps, equipped with reflective technology to maximize energy efficiency.
Another key green element is the unit with an air compensator and heat recovery system: the hot air exiting the ovens is used to preheat incoming external air, reducing the energy consumption required to run the line. “An intelligent system, consistent with Ton’s sustainable approach.”
The introduction of the Superfici line – they explain – had an immediate impact. The bottleneck in furniture component production was eliminated, drying times were drastically reduced, and surface quality reached new standards.
With the right combination of technology and coatings, Ton is now able to meet demand with extremely high-quality output, reliably and continuously.
“The relationship with SCM and Superfici did not end with the installation of the line. The system has been operating efficiently for over two years, and the collaborative relationship with Superfici technicians and the local dealer Italcomma ensures ongoing support and consultancy on how to best exploit the line’s potential, refining parameters and processes with flexibility,” explain Ton representatives.

LOOKING AHEAD
Ton’s future involves new products – such as the launch of the new “Cissy” armchair, designed by Patrick Norguet in 2025 – as well as investments in energy efficiency, automation, and workforce training.
“People remain a fundamental pillar of our development,” concludes Dominik Růžička, “we continue to invest in the skills of our collaborators so they are ready to work with advanced technologies and production methods, while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship.”
In Ton furniture, memory and design coexist. Every detail tells an ancient story, every surface reflects a contemporary choice. It is in this balance between material, gesture, and technology that the company’s vision takes shape: to create furniture capable of standing the test of time, supported by advanced industrial processes and technological partners such as SCM and Superfici, called upon to further enhance the essence of the product.

Ton.eu
Scmgroup.com/superfici